Highlands University official accused of groping colleague

Official placed on paid administrative leave

Published 11:27 PM MST Nov 30, 2012

LAS VEGAS, N.M. -

An athletic department official at the New Mexico Highlands University is accused of groping a male colleague.

Gavino Archuleta, Associate Athletic Director at the New Mexico Highlands University, is out on paid administrative leave after one of his coaches told police Archuleta attacked and grabbed his crotch.

Las Vegas police said Archuleta had invited friends, including the alleged victim, over to his house two weeks ago to drink some beers. Investigators said Archuleta and the victim were left alone in the house at one point, and it was then that Archuleta allegedly placed his hands on the victim’s crotch.

According to the incident report, Archuleta cornered his victim, reached down his pants and grabbed his genitals.

A representative for NMHU told Action 7 News, “We are taking the allegations seriously. The police are looking into it, and the university is conducting their own investigation into the incident.”

According to the police report, the victim broke down in tears several times while telling the police officers about the alleged attack, saying Archuleta was his boss and someone that he looked up to.

Archuleta has yet to be charged, authorities said.

Archuleta has been employed at the university for six years.

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